China rubs India the wrong-way, yet again

Leh/Srinagar, Jan 10: Tensions are mounting and sparks seem to be subdued and emotions firmly under control. But now, the Chinese incursions into Indian territory have found new ground.

The Chinese incursions have largely been slow and steady through the Line of Actual Control in South-eastern Ladakh region. But this time, India seem to sit straight and take notice of the alarming situation.

The Chinese troops apparently stopped a contractor who was building a passenger shed under the direction of the Border Area Development Project of Ministry of Home Affairs. The shed was being built at the 'T' point in village Gombir. The work was underway when motor-cycle borne Chinese troops from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Gombir area in Demchok region in Jammu and Kashmir and threatened the civilian workers who were building the shed.

The workers were shaken by the presence of the Chinese personnel and sought the Army's help on this. The Army responded diligently and suggested that the 3 Infantry divisions check with the State govt who in turn needs to check with the Ministry of Defence before carrying out any construction activities at least 50 kilometres of the Line of Actual Control.

This tussle comes after the Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao's visit to India had given hopes on a softened stand on the territorial disputes. This is not the first time that China had meddled with warm diplomatic relations with India and had done on more occasions than one to interfere with the border relations among both countries.